Brocklebank Discusses Plans

American pinhooker John Brocklebank is going to bring his own staff out to prepare all the horses he has purchased at the Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions yearling sale, which is nearly finished. Through April 1, the seventh day of the eight-day Australian auction, Brocklebank has purchased 14 yearlings and has spent more than Aust$1.6 million (approximately $1.3 million in U.S. funds). He intends to make a splash at the October ready to run sale by having his charges prepared in the same manner in which he successfully mastered in the U.S.

"Any that don't sell we will race down here," Brocklebank said.

Meanwhile, those buyers who ended up with yearlings on day seven all got great bargains. The buying bench was dramatically diminished and the buyers cleaned up. Over Aus$1.38 million was traded on 125 yearlings during session seven at an average price of $11,044 and clearance rate of 74 per cent.

A beautiful filly by red hot sire Hussonet was the day's top seller, bringing Aust$58,000 from Bill Andrews. Consigned by Sellwood Holdings, agent, the chestnut filly is the sixth live foal of a Raise a Stanza half-sister (My Sweetie) to Alma Mater.

Alma Mater, a group III winner of the AJC Adrian Knox Stakes at Royal Randwick, went on to produce the multiple group I winner Savannah Success, who has been even better in the barn. Savannah Success in turn is the dam of group I Cox Plate winner Savabeel, who is now an in demand stallion with his debut crop due to start racing in September. Savannah Success is also the dam of recent group I place-getter Arlington and the hulking Redoute's Choice colt that made Aust$1 million last week during the Magic Millions yearling sale

Magic Millions managing director David Chester said buyers at session seven were thrilled with the value on offer.

"We keep telling people to check out the yearlings that go under the hammer over the latter stages of our sales," Chester said. "There's great buying to be had."